Is Brass Hardware Right for Your Home?
Brass hardware seems to be dominating the design space and for good reason! At Arcadia Kitchen and Bath, we love the brass hardware trend. It’s timeless, functional and makes a statement.
It Never Goes Out of Style
Let’s get one thing straight. Brass is beautiful. Like many natural metals, it remains timeless. Gold and silver tend to flip-flop every few years about what is trendy – and while brass is having a particularly trendy moment, it will never go out of style. When you install a brass faucet or brass clawfoot tub, you can be assured that it will age like fine wine.
Naturally Antimicrobial
Brass not only looks pretty, but has health benefits too. As a natural copper alloy, brass is inherently antimicrobial. This doesn’t mean it can necessarily kill coronavirus, but it’s surface makes it inhospitable for any microbes to live on it. This makes your brass hardware cleaner and healthier for the people in your home.
Easy to Clean – But Can Get Tarnished
As with any natural metal, brass needs to be maintained to keep its luster. Regular maintenance will keep your brass hardware looking good as new. In addition to the normal store-bought cleaner (like Wright’s Brass Polish) you could also whip up an easy mixture of brass cleaner at home. Mix up a paste of vinegar, salt, and flour and put it on any brass hardware to gently remove the tarnish and wipe away any excess with water and a towel.
More Expensive than Other Metals
Beautiful things come with a price tag to match. The average price of brass is about $1.76/lb. whereas stainless steel is only about $0.20/lb. This is absolutely something to consider when thinking about the route you want to take in your home. An alternative to using solid brass is opting for brass-plated hardware instead.
Durable
Unlike plated-steel or aluminum fixtures, brass hardware will last a lifetime in your home. Brass is harder than copper and aluminum. As a natural alloy, you won’t have to worry about unsightly rust, but rather natural tarnishing that some people actually prefer.
Whether you’re thinking about using brass for your cabinet handles or sink faucet, this list is meant for you to make the best decision for your needs. Brass certainly puts up a good argument for utilizing it in a space due to its durability, timelessness, and health benefits. On the other hand, it’s costliness and tarnishing can be a drawback for some. Whatever your hardware decision is, Arcadia Kitchen and Bath is here to help you in your design and decor needs.